Portable deck



Feb. 20, 1945. G. G. GREULICH 2,369,733

PORTABLE DECK I Original Filed Aug. 26, 1942 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

. 20 GERALD 6. Gael/ac,

. G. G. GREULICH Feb. "20, 194 5.

' PORTAB E DECK Original Filed Aug. 26, 1942 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 ilnII-IIII RU! "W mwfi/ mp Km m6 6 Z F y Patented Feb. 20, 1945 2,333,133 PORTABLE pro]:

Gerald G. Greulich, Mount Lebanon, Pa., assignor to Carnegie-Illinois Steel Corporation, a corporation of New Jersey Original application August 26, 1942', Serial No.

456,233. Divided and this application November 29, 1943, Serial No. 512,225

6 Claims.

This invention relates to portable decks or mats which are adapted for rapid assembly and dismantling, and particularly'to an improved portable deck especially adaptable as a landing field or decking for airplane runways, or for paved areas for other vehicular traflic.

This is a division of my application, entitled Portable deck," filed August 26, {942, Serial No. 456,233, Patent No. 2,352,892. Y .1

In my copending applications, Serial Nos. 345,218 and 358,180, filed July 12, l940,'and September 24, 1940, respectively; Patents Nos. 2,294,-

(Cl. 94-13) v I and reduces the total shipping weight of the decking, thus relieving the tremendous burden on transportation facilities, which is a vital factor in providing such a deck. I

Accordingly, it is the general object of the present invention to provide an improved portable deck made of plates or units which are strong and rugged,'and, at the same time, which are relativelylight in weight and convenient to handle and transport.

It is another object of the invention to provide an'improve'd portable deck consisting of a plural- 549 and 2,294,550, respectively, each of which is entitled Portable deck, I have shown and described a deck ormat similar to that disclosed in the present application, but the present deck is deemed to be an improvement thereover. In the prior applications there is provided plates having interlocking means arranged along their adjacent edges so that an interlock is effected between each of the plates. The overlapping portions of the-interlock in constructions shown therein require a considerable amount of stock extending beyond the centerline of the intersection of the plates and in addition a series of separate locking devices, such as spring clips or the like, are required to hold the interlocking portions of the plates in position so as to prevent relative movement or displacement thereof.

r Also in the decks shown and described in my earlier applications, there is'provided stlflenlng ribs which extend parallel to the length of the plate. Such ribs require a considerable width of stock when folded to their projecting outline.

In the present invention there is provided a v 1 portable mat consisting-of a plural ty or units or plates with each of the plates having the inter locking means arranged along the outermost edges thereof which interlock without the use of separatelocking means. The plates are strengthened by means of-aseries o overlapping flanges struck up from the body of th plates without the requirement of additional stock iorl'projecting ribs. Such a construction provides not only a saving in the width oi-the stock in the forming of" the interlocklng' means but also-provides a savin! through the elimination of the strengthening ribs and permits a reduction of about 14 per cent in the amount of metal required. Furthermore,

the elimination of the ribs permits approximately an 8 per cent to 10 per. cent reduction" in the flnished weight of the decking without sacrificing thickness of material or strength of the finished units or plates. Such a reduction in weight isextremely desirable as it makesfor easier hsndling arrangement of the plates or units therein;

Figur 2 is a sectional view-taken on line II-II the details of the plates;

ity of units or plates having a simple interlocking means arranged along their edgeswherein each plate or unit is identical with very other plate or unit, thereby eliminating excessive fabricating costs and providing plates which are simple and inexpensive in their construction and which can be easily and quickly assembled into a deck, or dismantled.

lt is a further object oithis invention to providean improved portable deck consisting of a plurality of units or plates with each oithe units or plates having a substantially constant section moduli throughout the length and width thereof.-

Various otherobjects and advantages of this invention will become more apparent during the ,course of the following specification and will be particularly pointed out in the appended claims. A In the accompanying drawings there are shown, for the purpose of illustration several embodimentswhich'my invention may assume in prac-' 3 tlce.

In these drawings: Figure 1 isa plan view of the improved portable deck or mat of my invention showing the general of Figure 1 showing the method of assembling the plates or units;-

Figure 3 is an enlarged view showing several plates made inaccordance with my inventionin their interlocked position and more fully showing Figure 4 is a plan view showing details of the interlocked edges of the plates at the starting point of assembling the plates into the deck;

Figure 5 is a sectional view taken'on line V-.-V

of Figure4; 1 Figure 6 is a plan view showing details of the preferred iorm-o! interlocking means 01' my invention'arranged along the edges of the plates;

Figure '7 is a sectionalf view taken on line VII-VII of Figure 6 showinghow the interlock u or the plates iseflectedf Figure 8 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line VIII-sVIII of Figure 3; v

Figure 9 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line IX-IX of Figure 3; V

Figure 10 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line XX of Figure 3; and

Figure 11 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line XI-XI of Figure. 3. 4

Referring more particularly to the drawings, the improved portable deck or mat of my invention comprises a plurality of rectangular-shaped metallic plates 2 which are laid side by side in rows with the plates of adjacent rows being staggered relative to each other in a manner similar to that in whichbrickwork is laidso as to provide 'a continuous unitary deck or mat as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3. Along one of the sides or longitudinally extendin edges of each of the plates 2, there is arranged a plurality of spaced apart lugs 3 which are preferably T- shaped and which extend outwardly and downwardly from the edge of the plate so as to be disposed angularly relative thereto. As more clearly shown in Figures 4 through 7 of the drawings, each of the lugs 3 consists of, a shank or stem portion 4 and an enlarged head portion 5. Along the opposite Side or longitudinal edge of each of the plates 2 and inwardly of the extreme edge thereof, there is arranged a plurality of similarly spaced apartppenings or slots 8 which are shaped similarly to the lugs 3 but have slightly larger dimensions so as to provide a slightly larger portion 7 for receiving the head portion of a lug and a slightly larger stem portion 8 for receiving the shank or stem portion thereof. The portion 1 of each of the openings adapted to receivethe head portion of the lug is disposed preferably substantially in the plane of the plate as shown in Figure '7 with the stem portion 8 adapted to receive the shank portion of the lug arranged downwardly and outwardly so as to be disposed angularly relative thereto. The lugs 3 of one plate are adapted to be inserted in the openings 6 of an adjacently disposed plate so as to effect an interlock therebetween in a manner hereinafter to be described.

n the inner side of at least some of the open- Y ings or slots 6, preferably every other one, as

shown in Figures 3, 6 and 7 of the drawings, there is arranged preferably an outwardly and downwardly extending lip or lug portion 9, which projects.into the area of the enlarged portion 1 of the opening or'slot 6 for a purpose hereinafter to be described.

In accordance with the present invention, in each of the plates 2, there is arranged a plurality of rowsof openings or apertures l0 which are preferably elliptical in shape, with the apertures in adjacent rows arranged in staggered relation so tha'tthe end portions of the apertures in adjacent rows overlap, as shown in Figure 3 of the drawings. Around the edges of each ofthe apertures, as shown in Figures 8 through 11 of the drawings, there is disposed an inwardly and downwardly extending flange portion l2 so that the apertures converge toward the bottom of the flanges. The flanges I2 arepreferably struck up .-and formed from material punched from the elliptical-shaped apertures in the plates 2 and are preferably variable in height with the flanges having their greatest height at a section transversely of the apertures and gradually diminishing inslze toward each end thereof. In other words, the flanges l2 around the apertures II are deeper in the center than at the ends thereof.

By providing such a construction, it will be seen that on a cross section through the middle of the apertures III, as shown in Figure 8 of the drawings, a certain number of deep flanges attached to relatively wide portions at the top of the plates will be provided; whereas on a cross section through the overlapping ends of the openings, as shown in Figure 9 of the drawings, twice the number of shallow flanges attached torelatively narrow portions at the top of the plate will be provided. Such an arrangement permits the developing of approximately equal beam strength or section modulus at any transverse cross section through the plate or-unit. Also the section modulus on the line X--X of Figure 3 is approximately the same as the section modulus on a parallel line through a solid portion of the unit. In other words, the variable depths of the flanges l2 around the apertures l0 and the arrangement of the same in overlapping relationship provide constant transverse section moduli throughout each of the plates and also a constant longitudinal section moduli which differs from the transverse section moduli. From a practical standpoint the section moduli may vary as much as 10% plus or minus from a theoretical constant value and still be considered approximately equal. Where the greater number of flanges overlap they can naturally be made, shallower for equivalent strength. This feature permits punching out more material at the points where only shallow flanges are needed and the elimination of such excessive metal at these points naturally permits a reduction in weight of the finished plate without sacrificing strength which is a decided advantage. Thus, it will be seen that the flanges i2, together with the punched apertures 10, are constructed and arranged so as to provide a beam strength equivalent to the ribbed plate as heretoadjacently disposed plate as shown in Figures and 5 of the drawings with the plates disposed in substantially a horizontal position on the ground.

' In order to hold the lugs in engagement with 7 locked relation.

each other so as to prevent longitudinal movement of the plates relative to each other and the disengagement of the lugs, there is disposed around the shank portions 4 of the interlocked lugs 3 preferably a wire binding member, but it will be understood that any other suitable means may be provided for holding these lugs in inter- By starting the laying of the deck in such a manner, it will be seen that the edges of these plates which are disposed in substantiallythe center of the area will have their openings or slots 8 disposed to each side thereof and will be free to receive the lugs 3 of the plate to be assembled and adjacently disposed in each direction from the center plates.

The succeeding plates are assembled into position in the following manner in each direction from these center plates; The plate to be posi 40 and The head portions 5 of each of the lugs3alongthe edges of the plate are then assures Upon movement of the plates to their substantially horizontal position after the lugs I have been inserted in the openings 6, it will be seen that the shank or stem portions 4 of the lugs move downwardly into place and rest in the enlargedstem portions 8 of their respective I lugs through the openings with the lip portion performing its original function of locking the projecting head in position. 7

While I have shown and described several embodiments of my invention, it will be understood that these embodiments are merely for the purpose of illustration and description and that various other forms may be devised within the scope of my invention, as deflned in the appended openings due to the angular arrangement thereof. In such position it will be seen that the lugs 3 are disposed in the openings 6 beneath the bottom of the adjacently disposed plate, with the inner edges ofthe lugs being disposed beneath the outer edges of the enlarged part 1 of the openings 6. In other words, the stem portions of the slots permit the neck behind the projecting head of the adjacent plate to enter and lie below the top surface of the deck. It will be seen that the component or vertical edge or edges on either side of the slots restrain the inner sides or edges Ofojihe projecting heads from sidewise movement or disengagement and they also restrain the necks from lengthwise movement. It will be understood that each of the slots or openings 3 has enough of its area in a horizontal plane to accommodate and permit entry of the head portion of the lugs. Also, if desired,' the depth of the enlarged part 1 of each of the openings may be just slightly greater than the thickness of the head of the lugs so as to permit entry of the lugs only when they are disposed.

substantially perpendicular thereto or in a-verti cal plane. In such an arrangement, the outer edges of the lugs would be disposed'beneath the inneredges of the openings or slots 6 when the plates are moved to a horizontal position thereby preventing vertical movement of the lugs through the openings.

movement of the heads ofthe lugs 3 from their position below the plate and through the openings 61.. In other words, the head portions 5 of thelugs 3, do not extend in under the .edges of the slots I but are maintained in place vertically solely by the lip portions'S. Such a construction possesses the advantage that any parclaims.

I claim:

1. A portabledeck of the class described comprising a plurality of connected plates for rapid attachment to and detachment from each other, .each of said plates consisting of, a substantially rectangular-shaped body portion of rolled metal having a plurality of row of openings arranged therethrough throughout the length thereof with the openings in one row staggered relative to the openings of an adjacent row so that the end portions of the openings in adjacent rows overlap, a downwardly extending flange portion extending completely around each of said openings, said flange portions having varying amounts of material with the greatest amount at a section transversely through the center of the openings and gradually diminishing toward each end thereof so that the section moduli of all transverse sections are approximately equal to each other.

2. A portable deck of the class described comprising a plurality of connected plates for rapid case of damage for repairs or replacement without movingpr disturbing the'remainder of the plates 'therearound. If it is desired atany time to remove any particular plate from the deck.

the heads 5 of the lugs; up'through the enlarged parts] of the openings "6 with little or no pivoting movement. .The new plate to be assembled therein is engaged'with the adjacent plate in a manner "the projecting lug or lip portions 8 are bent in-' 4 wardlyjas shown in the broken lines of Figure 7 of the drawings, so as to permit the passage of hereifibefore described and moved to' its ho'rizontal position with. the lugs thereof positioned in the openings'of the adjacent plate. After such 'platel' a's been moved to its horizontal position,'

attachment to and detac nt from each other, each of said plates consistin f a substantially rectangular-shaped body portion of rolled metal having a plurality of rows of openings arranged therethrough throughout the length thereof with the openings in one row staggered relative to the openings of an adjacent row so that the end portions of the openings in adjacent rows overlap,

a downwardly extending flange portion extend-' ing completely around each of said openings, said flange portions having varying amounts of material with the greatest amount at a section transversely through the center of the openings and gradually diminishing toward each end thereof so that the section moduli of all longitudinal sections are approximately equal to each other.

3. .A portable deck of the class described comprising a plurality of connected plates for rapid attachment to and detachment from each other,

each of said plates consisting of a substantially rectangular-shaped body portion of rolled metal having a plurality of rows of openings arrangedtherethrough throughout the length thereof with the openings in one row staggered relative to the openings of an adjacent row so that the end por-' .rial with the greatest amount at a section transversely through the center of the openings and gradually, diminishing toward each end thereof so thatthe section moduli of all transverse sec.- tions are approximately equal to each other and the section moduli of all longitudinal sections are approximately equal to each other.

4; a portable deck of the class described comprising a plurality of connected. plates for rapid attachment to and detachment from each other, each of. said plates consisting of a substantially rectangular-shaped body portion of rolled metal q having a plurality of rows of substantially elliptical-shaped openings arranged therethrough throughout the length thereof with the openings prising a plurality of connected plates for rapid attachment to and detachment from each other, each of said plates consisting of a substantially rectangular-shaped body portion of rolled metal having a plurality of rows of substantially elliptical-shaped openings arranged therethrough throughout the length thereof with the openings in one row staggered relative to the opening of anadjacent row so that the end portions of the openings in adjacent rows overlap, a downwardly extending flange portion extending completely having their greatest height at a section trans versely through the center of the openings and I around each of said openings, said flange portions gradually diminishing in height toward each end thereof so that thesection moduli of all longitudinal sections are approximately equal to each other.

6. A portable deck of the class described comprising'a plurality of connected plates for rapid attachment to and detachment from each other, each of said plates consisting of a substantially rectangular-shaped body portion of rolled metal having a plurality of rows of substantially elliptical-shaped opening arranged therethrough throughout the length thereof with the openings in one row staggered relative to the openings of an adjacent row so that the end portions of the openings in adjacent rows overlap, a downwardly extending flange portion extending completely around each of saidopenings, said flange portions having their greatest. height at a section transversely through the center of. the openings and gradually diminishing in height towardeach end thereof so that the section moduli of all transverse sections are approximately'equal to each other, and the section moduli of all longitudinal sections are approximately equal to each other.

GERALD G. GREULICH. 

